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October 14 becomes holiday in Ukraine

March 5, 2015

Defender’s Day on October 14 becomes an official state holiday

The Parliament adopted Law Amendments to article 73 of the Labor Code of Ukraine (concerning establishment of celebration days). 244 deputies of 322 registered in the session hole supported the decision.

On February 20 president of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko registered draft bill to article 73 of Labor Code in which he suggested announcing October 14 a Defender’s Day and making it a state holiday.

The explanation note says that the amendment is made in order to honor the courage and heroism of the defenders of independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, military traditions and achievements of Ukrainian people, promote further strengthening of patriotic spirit and support the public initiative. Presidential decree from February 23, 1999 to celebrate this day as Day of Defender of Motherland was abolished.

October 14 is the day for several holidays in Ukraine: great religious holiday of Intercession of Holy Virgin and Cossack Intercession. This day is associated with military honor, courage, bravery and chivalry of Cossacks.